Our notions of ancient history are supposed to be predicated on scientific research drawing from findings in archeology, anthropology, and sociology, and crafted from trained historians. Often, however, our constructions of history are filled with present ideas projected into the past. This is a natural limitation of the human psyche, for history-making is perpetually near-sighted. Our historical considerations tend to fall into three overarching paradigms, each with consequences that cloud our judgments. We will explore the making of historical models and present ideas which should caution our views of the ancient past.
John Knight Lundwall, PhD holds a doctorate in comparative myth and religious studies from Pacifica in Santa Barbara, California. He is the chief editor for Cosmos and Logos: Journal of Myth, Religion, and Folklore, and is a founding board member of the Utah Valley Astronomy Club, a 501c3 organization that partners with state and national parks to help run their astronomy programs, obtain dark sky status, and teach the public in astronomy and related fields. He is currently working on an archeoastronomy project in central Utah dealing with Fremont Indian petroglyphs. He is an author and has presented at many academic and public conferences and events.